We’re into August which means two things: the new season is just around the corner, and of course, the enigmatic elysium of the transfer window will be drawing up its final deals before the end of the month.
So far Zlatan has joined the Mourinho Mancunian revolution and Conte has splashed big money on Kante. However there are still some juicy burger-esque deals which could potentially go through in the next four weeks. So get out the paperwork, work permit applications, emergency helicopters and the rest…
PAUL POGBA
Who wants him? Man Utd, Real Madrid
How much? £80m-£120m
The Pogba sage defines the term ‘protracted transfer’. Yet it seems a certainty that Pogba is returning to United as he arrives this week in Manchester for a medical, who he left as a youngster who hadn’t made the grade. While Madrid’s interest has waned, the Red Devils are clearly then in pole position. The figures being quoted are astronomical and would easily be a world record deal – but is the French wonder really worth that much? Even some United fans don’t think so. Time will tell but put everything you own on Pogba wearing a red shirt sooner rather than later. This time it won’t be for the reserves.
Likelihood? 9/10 (Man Utd), 1/10 (Real Madrid)
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
Who wants him? Stoke City, Rangers
How much? £2m-£5m
Van Persie’s career is still showing signs of the ruthlessness of his early years despite his deflated value. He offers experience in the top divisions of Europe and is arguably one of the Premier League’s best strikers of recent years. A move to Stoke then seems sensible for a team who have attracted headlines with previous signings of victorious European talent. He may not have won a Champions League but has previously played in a World Cup final. What about the rumours of a shock deal to Rangers? Gers boss Mark Warburton previously fired jest at talk of a deal for the Dutchman. Will what started as a prank from rival Celtic fans turn out to be a coup for the Rangers revolution?
Likelihood? 3/10 (Rangers), 7/10 (Stoke)
DAVID DE GEA
Who wants him? Real Madrid
How much? £40m
Is he still at the airport? David De Gea seemed an absolute certainty to join Real Madrid last summer – he was even on his way before the deal collapsed. You’d think after a turbulent (albeit FA Cup winning) season the prospect of becoming the new number 1 at the Bernabeu would still be an attractive proposition. But the Spanish stopper seems more settled and new boss Jose Mourinho won’t give him up without a fight. Arguably one of the world’s best and will cost a small fortune.
Likelihood? 4/10
ROMELU LUKAKU
Who wants him? Chelsea
How much? £60m-£75m
The annual Chelsea buyback party is well and truly underway. After selling the tall Belgian for £28m to the Toffees, the Blues are apparently keen to heavily reinvest and bring back a player who has always confessed his love for Chelsea. While the deal seems fairly plausible, Everton’s bullish transfer policy means any deal will be protracted, and the fee will likely be above £60m. A big price for Conte to get his man, but a transfer that is very possible.
Likelihood? 7/10
JOHN STONES
Who wants him? Man City
How much? £50m
When Everton (them again) refused to budge despite infinite bids from Chelsea last summer for their young defender, you had to admire their determination not to give in to the big bucks. But an inconsistent season and perhaps a different approach from new boss Ronald Koeman means that a £50m move to Manchester City will likely be pushed through before the deadline. A talented player with huge potential to be a star both at club level and internationally, it seems Pep has found his ‘new Pique’.
Likelihood? 8/10
Feature photo credit: Flickr user Nazionale Calcio
Player photo credits: skysports.com
